Spotlight

Why Your Life Cover Should Grow As Your Family And Dreams Grow Too

SBI Life Smart Shield Plus ensures protection evolves with milestones and responsibilities right up to age 100

Mr. M. Anand, President & Chief Distribution Officer, SBI Life Insurance
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Q

Could you introduce the new product and explain what sets it apart from existing offerings?

A

In today’s environment of rising financial responsibilities and evolving lifestyles, it has become essential for individuals to have a protection plan that grows with them. Traditional term plans often provide static coverage, which may not fully align with changing life stages such as marriage, parenthood, or increasing financial commitments.

SBI Life – Smart Shield Plus addresses this very need. It is an Individual, Non-linked, Non-Participating, Pure Risk (Term) Life Insurance product, designed to provide long-term financial security. The plan offers three distinct benefit options—Level Cover Benefit, Increasing Cover Benefit, and Level Cover with Future Proofing Benefit—ensuring the coverage evolves in line with changing responsibilities and life stages.

What truly sets this product apart is its future-ready design: protection that grows automatically or at life milestones without the need for further medical underwriting, offering unmatched convenience and peace of mind. Optional features like the Better Half Benefit, flexible premium payment modes, and additional rider options (such as the Accident Benefit Rider) make it a comprehensive solution. What further enhances its appeal is its inclusivity, with lower premium rates for female lives and higher Sum Assured eligibility.

Q

What was the key customer need or gap that this product aims to address?

A

SBI Life offers a diverse range of insurance products designed to meet the needs of individuals across various income segments. SBI Life – Smart Shield Plus is a thoughtfully designed offering that falls within the medium-premium range. This makes it an ideal choice for India’s growing segment of emerging middle-income families, who seek a balance between affordability and comprehensive protection. With the Indian economy witnessing a steady rise in middle-income households, SBI Life- Smart Shield Plus is well-suited to meet their evolving financial protection needs—providing flexibility, milestone-based coverage, and long-term security.

Set protection once and let it expand with every stage of your journey
Q

What are the main benefits and unique features that potential policyholders should know about?

A

Smart Shield Plus offers a blend of stability and adaptability. Individuals can opt for a Level Cover Benefit with constant Sum Assured, or the Increasing Cover Benefit, which enhances coverage by 5% every year—up to 200% of the original Sum Assured—without any increase in premiums. The Future Proofing Benefit allows additional cover at life milestones such as marriage, childbirth, or home purchase, all without further medical underwriting.

Key add-ons include the Better Half Benefit, which extends cover to spouse, and riders such as the Accident Benefit Rider for added financial security. Through flexible premium payment choices, lower premium rates for women, and higher sum assured, the insurance plan is designed to deliver comprehensive protection that is both affordable and within reach. Together, these features make Smart Shield Plus a robust, future-ready term plan for evolving needs.

When Money Meets AI

1 September 2025

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Q

How does this product fit into SBI Life’s broader strategy and vision for customer financial security?

A

SBI Life’s purpose has always been to empower individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence by safeguarding the future of their loved ones. SBI Life - Smart Shield Plus reflects this purpose — it goes beyond conventional protection to address the evolving realities of life, ensuring customers remain financially secure through every stage.

By offering features like coverage up to age 100, milestone-based enhancements, and inclusive pricing, the product embodies our philosophy of being a lifetime partner in protection, not just an insurance provider. It reinforces our broader strategy of creating innovative, accessible, and future-ready solutions that bridge current needs with long-term aspirations.

In essence, SBI Life -Smart Shield Plus is more than a product — it is a step forward in our journey to build trust, strengthen financial resilience, and deliver on our brand promise: “Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye.”

Q

How has customer feedback or market research shaped the development of this product?

A

Smart Shield Plus is the result of deep customer insights and market research. Research revealed that policyholders often outgrow the cover they buy early in life which then becomes inadequate as inflation, family responsibilities, and financial commitments grow. At the same time, upgrading later is difficult due to medical underwriting and higher costs. Customers also expressed a strong desire for simplicity—solutions that adjust automatically without constant intervention.

These insights directly shaped the product’s design: an automatic 5% annual increase in cover (up to 200% of the Sum Assured), the Future Proofing Benefit to add protection at milestones like marriage, childbirth, or home purchase without medical re-evaluation, and features tailored for young families managing education, housing, and healthcare expenses.

In essence, Smart Shield Plus has been built around customer voices, making it a relevant, practical, and customer-first protection plan.

Q

What advice would you give to consumers considering this product as part of their financial planning?

A

Life insurance should not be viewed as just another expense, but as the foundation of a sound financial plan. When evaluating SBI Life- Smart Shield Plus, it’s important to align the plan option—whether Level Cover, Increasing Cover, or Future Proofing—with your current life stage and future aspirations. This ensures protection keeps pace with milestones like marriage, children, or major financial commitments.

We also encourage consumers to look at add-ons such as the Accident Benefit Rider, which can significantly strengthen overall protection. Most importantly, think long-term—choose a coverage amount that factors in future liabilities, not just today’s expenses.

With its ability to evolve automatically with life’s changes, SBI Life- Smart Shield Plus can serve as a cornerstone of responsible financial planning, securing both present needs and tomorrow’s dreams for you and your loved ones.

Disclaimer: The Views are Personal and not a part of the Outlook Money Editorial Feature

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